Faculty at state-owned universities authorize strike

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Faculty members at the 14 state-owned universities, including California University of Pennsylvania, today authorized the leaders of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties to call a strike if necessary.

Ninety-five percent of the faculty supported the strike authorization amid a contract dispute that could affect about 120,000 students.

The vote empowers union chapter presidents at each Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education campus to call a strike. Ten of the 14 must approve a walkout.

The two sides disagree on issues including compensation for temporary instructors, health care benefits and incentive pay for online education. The APSCUF negotiations committee plans to meet within the next 10 days to discuss the implications of the strike authorization vote and a potential strike date.

There has never been a faculty strike in the state system. Another negotiating session is set for Dec. 11.